Insight for Sunday 3 February 2013

Research shows up to half of Wellington teenagers have engaged in some sort of self injurious behaviour by the time they are 18 and GPs and guidance counsellors report a spike in such behaviour among teens in post quake Christchurch.

For parents the revelation their child has deliberately self-harmed, often in the solitary secrecy of their bedroom at home using simple household objects is a profound shock.

Radio New Zealand's Sally Round talks to young people who have engaged in this form of self harm as well as those caring for them and asks whether enough is being done to build resilience among New Zealand's youth.

If you would like to find out more or speak to someone who can help here are some places to try:

www.thelowdown.co.nz
www.headspace.org.nz
or contact Youthline on 0800 37 66 33, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz